BITT secures NIH funding for pioneering Sjögren’s syndrome treatment

Boston Immune Technologies and Therapeutics, Inc. (BITT), a leading clinical-stage biotechnology firm specializing in tumor necrosis factor superfamily receptor (TNFSR) antagonist antibodies, has received a significant financial boost from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This award aims to advance the preclinical development of BITT’s  CD40 antagonist antibody. The NIH funding is a significant step towards an Investigational New Drug (IND) filing planned for 2024.

CEO Russell LaMontagne expressed optimism, stating, “The NIH award will accelerate our path to the clinic. We believe our anti-CD40 antibody has novel properties that set it apart from prior CD40 antagonists, with potential applications in multiple autoimmune indications beyond just Sjögren’s syndrome.”

Preclinical studies of BITT’s antibodies show promise, demonstrating the ability to deplete B cells and inhibit Immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels. What sets this apart is the selective depletion of activated (CD86+) and younger B cells that produce early IgM antibodies. This targeted action could lead to more potent immunosuppressive effects at inflammation sites and minimize side effects, which have hindered the clinical development of earlier CD40 antagonists.

The CD40-CD40 ligand (CD40L) pathway plays a crucial role in activating T cell-dependent B cell responses. It is implicated in the pathogenesis of various autoimmune diseases, including but not limited to Sjögren’s syndrome, autoimmune thyroiditis, type 1 diabetes, Crohn’s disease, and multiple sclerosis.

The NIH award marks a milestone in BITT’s ongoing research and paves the way for broader clinical applications. With this funding, the company is positioned to be a game-changer in the treatment of Sjögren’s syndrome and possibly other autoimmune diseases. Keep an eye on BITT as they move closer to an IND filing in 2024, with this NIH-backed project potentially revolutionizing autoimmune disease treatment.